El Altar

El Altar is a collapsed stratovolcanic massif in the central Ecuadorian Andes, notable for its large caldera and multiple jagged summits. The massif is a prominent highland landmark reached by remote mountain routes.

The feature is characterised by a wide, rugged caldera and several sharp peaks rising to roughly 5,300 metres, offering technical climbing and extended backcountry trekking. The area is valued for mountain scenery, steep ridges, and high-altitude landscapes rather than easy summit walks.

El Altar is a collapsed volcano whose present form is the result of major flank collapse and subsequent glacial and fluvial erosion. The massif has not been active in the modern era and shows heavily eroded volcanic structures.

The mountain stands in the central Ecuadorian Andes, west of the city of Riobamba, and is reached from highland roads and mountain tracks in the surrounding provinces.

• Elevation: Summit elevations reach around 5,300 metres, making it one of Ecuador's higher Andean massifs and a significant objective for experienced climbers.

What to See #

• Caldera and summits: A broad, collapsed volcanic caldera ringed by jagged summits formed by flank collapse and erosion, often described as a multi-peaked massif rather than a single cone.
• Approach and terrain: Glaciated cirques and steep ridges that require technical climbing or long, remote hikes; access is typically from mountain trails and highland ranch tracks.